1. I kinda agree with this, though after it happens once you learn. It's not a major issue. Maybe instead of coding anything into the object, have one of the mobs at the academy recommend buying a better bag.

2. I like this, and specifically Valg's take on it. But again, it's never really bothered me, as a newbie on any MUD. If someone can't figure it out, thats exactly what the help files, the academy, and newbie channel are for.

3. I believe somewhere in Newbiedom, and almost every class FAQ on Dio, they explicitly tell newbies to try humans for this and other reasons. I completely agree with the others that playing low-int/high-str races should come with that penalty. And yet again, if a newbie decides to go ahead and play a more difficult race anyway, they are more than welcome to use the helpfiles to figure out which skills to use.

4. Who says you can't rp while maladicted? It's easy: "gtell Stay back, this disease is contagious!" And if you've been maladicted, you obviously were involved in pk or exploring recently, though not necessarily with much success. Do more than spam where.. seek out a healer (npc or pc), perhaps?

5. Like Pen said, easily abused.. though, maybe there could be a way to earn xp from interviews? (maybe it does already, idk)

Some great ideas, and I do agree with your reasoning in that there is a very steep learning curve to this game. On the other hand, I don't think making the game easier so everyone can have fun and play nice is the answer. A lot of things could be made easier just by finding ways to share information and open dialogue in character.. I mean, that is the definition of a guild afterall.